New sewer main and pump station construction commences

17 February 2022

To cater for existing and future sewerage flows going to Council’s wastewater treatment plant, a new sewer trunk main and inlet pump station is being built from Hampden Road to the plant on Springs Road.

Following an open and competitive procurement process Council has awarded the tender for the design and construction of the 1km sewer main and pump station to Leed Engineering and Construction Pty Ltd.

Construction of the pipeline has now started and during the works, vehicle access to Hampden Road businesses and residences will remain open. There is likely to be some restrictions along the Linear Trail throughout the course of construction and signs will be put in place in advance of any changes to access.

Mayor Ann Ferguson said the new trunk main, which will replace ageing infrastructure, will be the largest sewer pipe installed to date by Council.

“The old pump station in the reserve at the rear of Bernhardt Court has needed monthly servicing in the early hours of the morning” Mayor Ferguson added,

“This new construction will replace the old pump station and eliminate the need and cost for this servicing. Catering for future flows and reducing the risk of overflows to the environment are the biggest benefits of this project”.

The work requires removing a small section of short lived Swamp Wattle planted near the treatment plant which are, nonetheless, in poor condition and suffering from extensive borer infestation.

Several points along Mount Barker Creek will require the removal of blackberries, a known pest plant, and there will be a temporary impact on reeds due to pruning however re-growth will naturally occur.

An Ash Tree at the eastern end of Hampden Road will also need to be removed. This has been approved in accordance with Council’s Tree Policy and will be replaced with six new street trees along the road.

Throughout this project, the contractor will continue to work closely with Council’s Environmental Management team to make sure the local environment such as the Mount Barker Creek, flora and fauna are protected during construction activities.

It is anticipated that works will be completed in early 2023 dependent on weather and ground conditions.